Big Ten - 2009-2010 Basketball Preview | Sportsbookbuzz.com

Michigan State was not only the best team in the Big Ten last season, but it was the best bet at 21-13- 1 ATS (31-7 SU). Tom Izzo’s team reached the Final Four for the fifth time in 11 years in 2008-09, a rate unparalleled in the college basketball universe. For the Spartans to get back, they’ll need to replace Goran Suton’s interior presence.

Purdue (+200) is right behind Michigan State (+175) on the outright odds list to cash the conference title. That’s because the Boilermakers have the top six players from last year’s rotation returning to the mix from a team that went 27-10 (15-18 ATS) a year ago. If Robbie Hummel’s back is right, the Boilermakers could reach Indianapolis.

The Fighting Illini surprised many by finishing in a tie for second in the conference last year, although the success didn’t translate to paydays at the window. Bruce Weber welcomes a highly-touted recruiting class to Champaign, and his main charge will be to get the talented youngsters to mesh with the existing nucleus.

The Nittany Lions finished 18-12-1 ATS (27-11 SU) to procure modest returns for backers, and took home the NIT title. Penn State has scheduled a more challenging non-conference slate so it’ll get a longer look come selection time. That might mean more losses for Talor Battle and company, but potentially more paydays.

A dependable wager at 17-12 ATS (22-11 SU) last season, Ohio State could turn heads this year. David Lighty’s return from injury instantly bolsters the Buckeyes’ defense. With Evan Turner back to patrol the wing, Thad Matta’s team is a definite sleeper pick in the Big Ten.

Wisconsin loses some real gamers in Marcus Landry and Joe Krabbenhoft, and it’s unclear whether it has the horses to replace them. The Badgers might be a better wager, but don’t expect them to improve on last year’s 20-13 record.

There’ll be a higher price to pay on Minnesota this season, but most Golden Gophers backers probably don’t mind. Tubby Smith has turned Minnesota around in two short years, taking the Gophers to the Big Dance last year. Expectations are higher in Minnesota, which returns all nine of its top scorers.

In Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims, Michigan has a one-two punch that is the envy of the rest of the conference. With no significant losses to the roster, and with another year of John Beilein’s preaching the good basketball gospel, Michigan appears ready to take the next step.

Don’t let Northwestern’s 17-14 (13-12-1 ATS) mark from a year ago fool you; this is a good basketball team. If it weren’t for a bevy of close losses in games that it led, Northwestern would surely have gone. to the Tournament. With only Craig Moore gone from last year’s rotation, the Wildcats could seal the deal this season.

It’s hard to see Iowa being better than average at the window this season, especially after four players quit the team in March. Todd Lickliter’s Hawkeyes were already rebuilding prior to last year’s 15-17 (15-11 ATS) campaign. Iowa lacks an inside presence, and a proven floor general to get the ball to Matt Gatens and Anthony Tucker.

Indiana could be a great bet as long as the highly anticipated recruiting class lives up to its potential. The Hoosiers figure to see long odds because of last season’s awful 6-25 (12-13 ATS) showing, so they should steal some paydays. Tom Crean might have no choice but to start two freshmen on the interior.